Closure device

ABSTRACT

A closure device for sealing the opening of a refillable container, the closure device including spaced pressure members having a soft resiliently deformable washer member sandwiched therebetween, and a tightening member engageable with a neck portion of one of the pressure members for drawing the pressure members together. Tightening apparatus for the closure device includes a power driven wrench engageable with the tightening member. The wrench is power driven through a transmission device by a torque controlled power unit, thereby enabling a predetermined torque to be applied to the pressure members. A key member engageable with the pressure member neck portion holds the closure device in fixed position during torquing of the pressure members.

United States Patent [1 1 Wehmeyer 1 May 28, 1974 '41 CLOSURE nEvicE I Primary ExaminerJamcs L. Jones Jr. 7 1 t E E. w h P 6] or 33: f gfi gg 1532a; Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John D. Pope, 111

Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110 22 Filed: Aug. 9, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT Appl. No.: 278,996

A closure device for sealing the opening of a refillable container, the closure device including spaced pressure members having a soft resiliently deformable washer member sandwiched therebetween, and a tightening member engageable with a neck portion of one of the pressure members for drawing the pressure members together. Tightening apparatus for the closure device includes a power driven wrench engageable with the tightening member. The wrench is power driven through a transmission device by a torque controlled power unit, thereby enabling a predetermined torque to be applied to the pressure members. A key member engageable with the pressure member neck portion holds the closure device in fixed position during torquing of the pressure members.

12 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures "ATENTEB MAY 2 8 M SHEET 1 BF 2 FIG I PATENIEBIAY 28 m4 SHEETZUFZ FIG.4'

FIGS

FlG.7

1 CLOSURE DEVICE This invention is directed to new and useful improvements in closure devices for refillable containers and more particularly to a bung and bung installing device for use with barrels that contain pressurized fluid such as beer.

A common method for sealing beer barrels at the bunghole usually involves hammering a tapered wooden stake through the bunghole up to a point where the stake is press-fitted therein. The strength of the bunghole seal provided by the stake is generally difficult to predetermine.

Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a novel closure device; a novel closure device which can be used repeatedly; a novel closure device having means for controlling the sealing strength thereof; a novel closure device which can provide a seal of predetrmined strength; a novel closure device which can be installed with a torque controlled power driven wrench; a novel closure device which does not slip around a bunghole during sealing thereof; and a novel closure device having a pressure member that can be held in fixed position in a bunghole while a pressure seal is obtained. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The present invention relates to a novel closure or bung device for sealing a bunghole in a barrel or other refillable container. In one embodiment of the invention the bung comprises spaced pressure members having a resiliently deformable washer member sandwiched therebetween. One of the pressure members includes a threaded neck portion that extends through the deformable washer and also extends through the second pressure member projecting upwardly therefrom. A locknut is threaded around the neck portion furthermore the second pressure member to draw the pressure members together. The bung assembly is disposed in the bunghole and the locknut tightened around the threaded neck portion with a torque controlled power driven wrench. A socket-like recess is provided at the projecting end of the neck for engagement with a key member of complementary configuration during tightening of the locknut by the wrench. In thismanner the locknut can be tightened without causing the bung assembly to slip around the bunghole during rotation of the locknut by the wrench. Further the sealing strength of the bung can be predetermined.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated,

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a beer barrel having mounted thereon a closure device incorporating one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, the closure device being shown in combination with tightening apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the closure device partly shown in section prior to insertion thereof into a bunghole;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the tightening apparatus with the power unit removed;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings for a detailed description of the present invention, a bung or closure device incorporating one embodiment thereof is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Bung 10 comprises a generally circular fixed pressure member 12 aligned with a movable pressure member 14, both of which are made of a substantially non-corrosive material such as stainless steel. A washer 16, formed of any suitable soft resiliently deformable material such as rubber, is sandwiched between pressure members 12 and 14. Washer 16 has a tapered periphery l8 defining a major bearing surface 20 and a minor bearing surface 22. Movable pressure member 14 includes an elongated neck portion 24 extending through apertures 26 and 28, provided in the central portion of washer l6 and fixed pressure member 12, respectively.

A dished generally circular pressure plate 30 is formed or welded at one end of neck portion 24. Plate 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of minor bearing surface 22 of washer 16. Plate 30 also includes a convex surface 32 that diverges into a flat annular surface 34. A generally square recessed socket hole 36 is formed in the free end of neck 24, the neck being threaded from its free end for substantially the entire length thereof. Pressure member 12 comprises a pressure base 38 having a tapered peripheral rim 40. Rim 40 terminates in a flat annular flange 41 flaring outwardly therefrom, which flange is substantially parallel to base 38. Pressure base 38 also has an annular boss surface 44 confronting major surface 20 of washer 16. The diameter of pressure base 38 is substantially equal to the diameter of washer bearing surface 20 such that when washer 16 is stacked against fixed pressure member 12, as shown in FIG. 3, tapered periphery 18 of washer l6 and tapered rim 40 of pressure member 12 form a substantially continuous tapered surface.

Bung 10 further includes a tightening member such as a locknut 42 threaded to neck portion 24 over base 38 of fixed pressure member 12. Rotation of locknut 42 in one direction urges pressure member 14 toward pressure member 12 to eventually deform washer 16 such that washer periphery l8 bulges outwardly (not shown) with respect to tapered rim 40 and plate 30.

A substantially flat generally circular annular holding member 46 (FIG. 2) made of plastic or any other suitable resilient material, has an opening 48 formed of complementary configuration with the polygonal periphery of locknut 42 for engagement thereon. The outer diameter of holding member 46 is slightly larger than the minor inner diameter of rim 40 in order that holding member 46, upon engaging locknut 42,.can be press-fitted against rim 40.

A tightening apparatus 70 for securing bung 10 in a bunghole 58 comprises any suitable known power unit 71 in engagement with a transmission device 72.

Transmission device 72 comprises an upper casing 74 and a lower casing 76 joined together by any suitable known fasteners 78, 78. Casings 74 and 76 house a gear train comprising an input drive gear 80, an intermediate idler gear 82 and an output drive gear 84.

Gear 80 includes gear teeth 86 disposed in a gear space 88 formed in upper and lower casings 74 and 76 respectively. Gear space 88 includes suitable clearance for gear teeth 86. Gear 80 is formed with upper and lower stub shaft portions 90 and 92 that seat in any suitable known bearing means such as bushings 94 and 96 provided in upper and lower casings 74 and 76 respectively. A socket wrench member 98, axially disposed in gear 80, includes a shaft 100 pinned at 102 and 104 to upper stub portion 90. Although not shown a similar pinning arrangement can be provided at lower stub portion 92. Socket wrench member 98 is formed with a wrench socket 106 projecting upwardly from upper casing 74. if desired wrench socket 106 can be made detachable from shaft 100.

Gear 82 includes teeth 108 disposed with suitable clearance in a gear space 110 in upper and lower casings 74 and 76. Gear teeth 108 mesh with gear teeth 86 of gear 80. Gear 82 also includes upper and lower stub shaft portions 112 and 114 seated in bushings 116 and 118 provided in upper and lower casings 74 and 76.

Gear 84 includes teeth 120 disposed with suitable clearance in a gear space 122 formed in upper and lower casings 74 and 76 respectively. Gear teeth 120 mesh with teeth 108 of gear 82. Gear 84 is also formed with upper and lower stub shaft portions 124 and 126 seated in bushings 128 and 130 provided in upper and lower casings 74 and 76.

A hollow shaft 132 is axially disposed in gear 84 and pinned at 134 and 136 to stub portion 124. Shaft 132 includes a hollow generally rectangular sleeve 138 formed at an end 140 thereof, sleeve 138 depending from lower casing 76. The hoilow portion of shaft 132 and sleeve 138 is generally indicated by reference num ber 142. An opposite end 144 of shaft 132 projects upwardly from upper casing 74. A wrench socket 146 sized to engage locknut 42 is detachably secured to sleeve 138.

Tightening apparatus 70 further includes a key member 148 axially disposed in hollow 142. Key member 148 is rotatable in hollow 142 and includes an end portion 150 projecting below wrench socket 146. End portion 150 is of square cross-section and sized to engage socket hole 36 in neck 24. Key member 148 further includes an opposite end portion projecting from upper casing 74, and bent over at a right angle to form a handle 154.

Tightening apparatus 70 also includes an angle memher 156 having a leg portion 158 welded to the periphery of upper casing 74 adjacent gear 84. Angle member 156 has a free leg 160 extending over end 144 of shaft 132. Free leg 160 includes an opening 162 aligned with hollow 142 of shaft 132.

In use, bung 10, the parts thereof being loosely assembled as shown in FIG. 3 (minus holding member 46), is disposed in bunghole S8 of a barrel 60 such that flange 41 of pressure member 12 bears against the barrel surface bordering bunghole 58. Preferably bunghole 58 has a complementary tapered surface 62 similar to that of rim 40 and washer periphery 18. Hole 58 is also of a size that will accommodate loosely assembled bung 10 without force.

Tightening apparatus is positioned over bung 10 in bunghole 58 such that wrench socket 146 engages locknut 42 and end portion 150 of key member 148 can be manipulated into socket hole 36 of neck 24. Operation of power drive unit 72 rotates gear causing idler gear 82 to rotate output drive gear 84 and wrench socket 146 thereby turning locknut 42. Under this arrangement key member 148 holds neck 24 in fixed position during rotation of locknut 42 by wrench 146. In this manner movable pressure member 14 is drawn toward fixed pressure member 12 to deform washer 16. Annular boss 44 of pressure member 12 serves to increase the deformation of washer 16. The engagement of key end portion with recessed socket 36 of neck 24 prevents bung assembly 10 from slipping around bunghole 58 during tightening of locknut 42. Power unit 71 can be provided with any suitable known adjustable slip clutch (not shown) arranged to slip at a predetermined tightening torque on locknut 42. This slip torque allows for control of the seal strength of bung 10 in bunghole 58.

When locknut 42 has been torqued a desired predetermined amount to provide an adequate seal of bunghole 58, holding member 46 is inserted around locknut 42. If desired, holding member 46 can be color coded to identify the type of beer, for instance, contained inside barrei 60.

As is evident from FIG. 2, a fluid-tight seal is obtained by the deformation of washer 16 against convex surface 32, flat annular surface 34 and bunghole tapered surface 62. Further, sealing is obtained by the deformation of washer 16 against pressure base 38 of pressure member 12. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that washer 16, during deformation, is likely to bulge at its aperture 26 as weli as at its tapered periphery 18. Since the fluid-tight seal is derived in part from deformation of washer 16 toward tapered surface 62 of bunghole 58, it is desirable to concentrate this washer deformation in the direction of surface 62. To this end an annular collar 64 is provided on locknut 42, depending therefrom through aperture 28 of pressure member 14. Under this arrangement, as locknut 42 is tightened, collar 64 will move aiong neck 24 against washer 16 near washer aperture 26. Consequently, collar 64 prevents washer 16 from bulging into aperture 28 of pressure member 12 and thereby concentrates the deformation of washer 16 toward surface 62 of bunghole 58.

it will be further apparent that although transmission device 72 is disclosed with one idler gear, any number of idler gears can be used depending upon the gear ratio desired. It is also feasible, given the proper tooth ratios between the input and output drive gears, to eliminate the idler gear.

Some advantages of the novel bung device that are evident from the foregoing description include a reuseable bung structure, a bung structure wherein the sealing strength can be predetermined, a bung structure wherein the deformability of a sealing washer can be concentrated toward a bunghole surface, and a hung assembly which can be held in fixed position in a hunghole during tightening thereof by a power driven wrench.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In combination, a closure device for insertion into an opening to seal the opening, said device comprising spaced pressure members, a deformable washer member sandwiched between said pressure members, one of said pressure members having a neck portion extending through said washer member and said other pressure member, said closure device further including a tightening member comprising a locknut threadably secured to said neck portion for drawing said pressure members together against said washer to deform said washer member such that said washer member bears against the sides of said opening for affixation therein, power drive means for moving said locknut with respect to said neck portion, said power drive means comprising a power drive unit and an output drive member drivingly communicating with said power drive unit and said locknut, and means for maintaining said neck portion in fixed position with respect to said locknut during movement of said locknut, said locknut including a depending collar formed to extend into the aperture of said other pressure member, said collar being engageable with said washer such that movement of said locknut causes said collar to move against said washer when said locknut draws said pressure members together.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said power drive unit includes slippage means for preventing driving communication between said power drive unit and said tightening member when the torque on said tightening member is a predetermined amount.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said slippage means comprise a slip clutch provided in said power drive unit.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said power drive means include a transmission having a gear train, said output drive member comprising an output gear in said gear train.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said output drive member includes wrench means connected to said output gear, said wrench means being engageable with said tightening member for moving said tightening member.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said wrench means rotates said locknut on said neck portion in response to operation of said power drive unit, said output gear and said wrench means being provided with a common through opening, said combination further including an elongated key member disposed in said through opening and being rotatable in said through opening, said neck portion including a key socket engageable with said key member to permit said neck portion to be maintained in fixed position during rotation of said locknut by said wrench means.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said other pressure member includes a substantially planar surface confronting said washer, said planar surface having a protruding portion thereon for deforming the confronting surface area of said washer.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said protruding portion is an annular boss surface.

9. The combination of claim it wherein the peripheral surface of said one of said pressure members and said washer in stacked position are aligned to form a single substantially continuous peripheral surface.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the substantially continuous peripheral surface of said one of said pressure members and said washer are tapered.

11. The combination of claim 1 further including a substantially flat resilient holding member having an aperture formed for disposition around said tightening member and an outer periphery arranged to bear against said other pressure member to restrain movement of said tightening member with respect to said neck portion.

12. In combination, a closure device for insertion into an opening to seal the opening, said device comprising spaced pressure members, a deformable washer member sandwiched between said pressure members, one of said pressure members having a neck portion ex tending through said washer member and said other pressure member, said closure device further including a tightening member mounted on said neck portion for drawing said pressure members together against said washer to deform said washer member such that said washer member bears against the sides of said opening for affixation therein, power drive means for moving said tightening member with respect to said neck portion, said power drive means comprising a power drive unit and an output drive member drivingly communicating with said power drive unit and said tightening member, and means for maintaining said neck portion in fixed position with respect to said tightening member during movement of said tightening member, said other pressure member having a projecting annular rim, said tightening member having a polygonal periphery disposed in the space defined by said annular rim, said closure device further including a substantially flat annular holding member formed for emplacement intermediate said annular rim and the polygonal periphery of said tightening member, said holding member making resilient contact with said rim and the polygonal periphery of said tightening member for holding said tightening member in fixed position with respect to said neck portion.

"UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, ,7 5 Dated May 28, 197

Inventor(s) Eugene wehmeyel It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 38, "furthermore" should read over line 48, "Further should read Furthermore Column 2, line 28, "portion" should read portions Column l, line 8, "72" should read 71 Signed and sealed this 17th day of September l974,

SEAL) attest:

L'icCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 6037 6-P69 u s. covmmmzm PRINIING OFFICE I969 0-366-334 

1. In combination, a closure device for insertion into an opening to seal the opening, said device comprising spaced pressure members, a deformable washer member sandwiched between said pressure members, one of said pressure members having a neck portion extending through said washer member and said other pressure member, said closure device further including a tightening member comprising a locknut threadably secured to said neck portion for drawing said pressure members together against said washer to deform said washer member such that said washer member bears against the sides of said opening for affixation therein, power drive means for moving said locknut with respect to said neck portion, said power drive means comprising a power drive unit and an output drive member drivingly communicating with said power drive unit and said locknut, and means for maintaining said neck portion in fixed position with respect to said locknut during movement of said locknut, said locknut including a depending collar formed to extend into the aperture of said other pressure member, said collar being engageable with said washer such that movement of said Locknut causes said collar to move against said washer when said locknut draws said pressure members together.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said power drive unit includes slippage means for preventing driving communication between said power drive unit and said tightening member when the torque on said tightening member is a predetermined amount.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said slippage means comprise a slip clutch provided in said power drive unit.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said power drive means include a transmission having a gear train, said output drive member comprising an output gear in said gear train.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said output drive member includes wrench means connected to said output gear, said wrench means being engageable with said tightening member for moving said tightening member.
 6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said wrench means rotates said locknut on said neck portion in response to operation of said power drive unit, said output gear and said wrench means being provided with a common through opening, said combination further including an elongated key member disposed in said through opening and being rotatable in said through opening, said neck portion including a key socket engageable with said key member to permit said neck portion to be maintained in fixed position during rotation of said locknut by said wrench means.
 7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said other pressure member includes a substantially planar surface confronting said washer, said planar surface having a protruding portion thereon for deforming the confronting surface area of said washer.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said protruding portion is an annular boss surface.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein the peripheral surface of said one of said pressure members and said washer in stacked position are aligned to form a single substantially continuous peripheral surface.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the substantially continuous peripheral surface of said one of said pressure members and said washer are tapered.
 11. The combination of claim 1 further including a substantially flat resilient holding member having an aperture formed for disposition around said tightening member and an outer periphery arranged to bear against said other pressure member to restrain movement of said tightening member with respect to said neck portion.
 12. In combination, a closure device for insertion into an opening to seal the opening, said device comprising spaced pressure members, a deformable washer member sandwiched between said pressure members, one of said pressure members having a neck portion extending through said washer member and said other pressure member, said closure device further including a tightening member mounted on said neck portion for drawing said pressure members together against said washer to deform said washer member such that said washer member bears against the sides of said opening for affixation therein, power drive means for moving said tightening member with respect to said neck portion, said power drive means comprising a power drive unit and an output drive member drivingly communicating with said power drive unit and said tightening member, and means for maintaining said neck portion in fixed position with respect to said tightening member during movement of said tightening member, said other pressure member having a projecting annular rim, said tightening member having a polygonal periphery disposed in the space defined by said annular rim, said closure device further including a substantially flat annular holding member formed for emplacement intermediate said annular rim and the polygonal periphery of said tightening member, said holding member making resilient contact with said rim and the polygonal periphery of said tightening member for holding said tightening member in fixed position with respect to said neck portion. 